Children

The additional amount for children which forms part of UC (the child element) is paid on top of any Child Benefit (see page 68).


The government has moved to limit support for families on benefits and those receiving tax credits to the first two children. As a result, from April 2017, the child element within UC is limited to two children for new claims and new births (with exceptions including multiple births and women who can show that their third or subsequent child was conceived because of rape. In a particularly heartless move, the government confirmed that women who have a third child as a result of rape will have to prove it to a “professional third party” such as doctors and nurses and social workers. and they must declare on a DWP form that they do not live with their attacker.


The charity Turn2us explains that: “Elements will continue to be included for all children who were part of the family before 6 April 2017. Families with more than two children cannot make a new claim for Universal Credit until November 2018, even if they are in a full Digital Service area. They will have to claim Child Tax Credit in the meantime.”


The “first child premium” within UC (equivalent to the family element within tax credits) is also abolished for new claims from April 2017. In 2015-16 this element was worth up to £545 a year. Families already receiving these allowances will receive transitional protection for both measures. 


In addition, there are new conditionality rules introduced from April 2017. Parents who want to claim UC are now expected to have work-focused interviews when their youngest child turns one, start work preparation when their youngest child turns two, and look for work when their youngest child turns three.